Eco mini bus to ply Macc country routes
A NEW eco-friendly ‘mini’ bus has been launched in Macclesfield.
Arriva North West has invested £1m into nine new buses, which are smaller than the traditional buses and will reduce congestion on country roads.
The 22 seater buses will feature e-leather seats, wheelchair access, free on board Wi-Fi with USB charging points on each seat, and will service route numbers 2, 3, 4, 6, 9 and 21 in Macclesfield, as well as the number 2 and 4 in Winsford.
Mark Wynne, general manager of Arriva North West, said: “We’re determined to ensure that all our buses contribute to Arriva’s green agenda by operating eco-friendly services that minimise carbon emissions.
“This is a significant investment in Cheshire and we’re delighted that we can provide an even better service to satisfy the needs of the Macclesfield and Winsford community.”
The firm hosted a family fun day on Saturday to present the new buses to the town, which included a hog roast, family activities and street performers, including a visit from storm troopers and characters from the Star Wars movies.
Arriva also used the occasion to donate £500 worth of food, refreshments, sleeping bags and clothing to the Treehouse Food Kitchen in Macclesfield, which helps homeless and disadvantaged people in the town.
CHESHIRE East Council is currently consulting on plans to withdraw subsidies for some Macclesfield bus services in order to save money.
The council currently subsidises bus routes which private operators do not deem as financially viable, including the less popular services on Sundays and in the evenings.
But fears have ben raised that scrapping the funding could mean private operators, including Arriva and High Peak, may choose to withdraw them.
Among the routes affected are the number 10 from Macclesfield to Bollington, the number 9 from Macclesfield to the Moss Rose and the number 38 from Macclesfield to Crewe.
A 10-week public consultation into the proposal will end on Tuesday, July 18.
A spokesman for Arriva said the firm awaits the outcome of the proposals before commenting on the future of services.